Charles Oliveira (photo via YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Following Charles Oliveira’s win over Tony Ferguson, which moved the fighter’s winning streak to eight, his manager says ‘do Bronx’ deserves a title shot.

Oliveira battled Ferguson at UFC 256 last month and dominated the fight with his grappling, en route to a decision win. More recently, Dana White has said the UFC is hoping to have Oliveira fight Justin Gaethje next.

But, while talking to MMA Fighting, Oliveira’s manager, Diego Lima, said this.

“I honestly think he deserves to go straight for the belt,” Lima said. “He’s coming off eight wins in a row, beat Kevin Lee in great fashion and then dominated Ferguson all around—and Ferguson is one of the best of the division, won 12 straight before losing a title fight—so I think Charles is ready and has enough credibility to fight for the belt.”

“With all due respect, Khabib ran over [Gaethje]. That must count, and a lot,” Lima added. “I believe Charles’ next fight has to be for the belt against the winner of (Dustin) Poirier and (Conor) McGregor, not Justin Gaethje. But we know this fight between Poirier and McGregor involves a lot of things. We know that Poirier winning means one thing, and McGregor winning changes the whole scenario. I think there’s a lot at stake in this fight.”

Lima also revealed in the interview that Oliveira has one bout left on his current UFC deal and they are hoping to sign an extension, which includes a raise.